Electric-circuit indicator.



" no. 664.367. M Patented'Dec. 13, I900. L. awomuzv.

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT INDICATOR.

(Application filed Dec. 28, 1899.)

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LEONIDAS G. WOOLLEY, OF KENTON, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO THE NATIONAL MAGNETO ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COMPANY, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

ELECTRIC-CIRCUIT INDICATOR.

SPEGIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 664,367, dated December 18, 1900. Application filed December 28, 1899, Serial No. 741,814. (No model.)

and I do declare the following to be a full,clear,

and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it -IO appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in I circuit-indicators for all those lines andsysterns Where no battery or other constant source of electricity is used, but where magneto-generators are used to generate the current when desired, and the object of my invention is to produce a cheap, simple, and effici'ent mechanism, whereby an alarm of any suitable nature is sounded whenever the circuit is broken or accidentally left open.

The object of my invention is to also at- 2 5 tach to those lines in which the magneto-generator is used an alarm, which consists of a suitable operating mechanism, a permanent magnet, and a vibrating electromagnet which has but a limited play or movemant as long as the circuit is complete, but which vibrating magnet as soon as the circuit is broken or left open increases its swing or movement to such an extent as to operate an alarm and immediately give notice of this fact.

In the accompanying drawings, which rep resent my invention, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a mechanism which embodies my invention complete. Fig. 2 is an edge view of the same. Fig. 3 is a detail view showing the current-collectors, which are of ordinary construction.

A represents a framework of any suitable shape, size, or construction that may be preferred and in which is mounted upon a shaft 5 B a drum C, provided with teeth D, and in which is placed a clock-spring. This spring is wound through the spindle E and causes the drum C to revolve, and in revolving the drum meshes with the pinion F upon the shaft G, and which in turn is provided with the gear-wheel H, which forms the first one of the able antifriction-rollers L.

train of wheels of any ordinary construction and on which train the wheel I forms the escapement. This wheel I engages with any suitable escapementJupon the rocking shaft K, whichis journaled at its ends upon suit- I do not restrict myself to any particular form of roller, for this may be varied at will without departing from the spirit of my invention. Mounted upon this partially-rotating shaft K is the rod N, which is provided with the armature O at its upper end and at its free end with the counterweight P. Through the parts I J, forming the escapement, this shaft is caused to rock or partially rotate, and in doing so causes the magnet O to swing back and forth past the lower ends of the permanent magnet Q. The core R of this magnet projects beyond the two spools, which are wrapped with a single wire, and this core in moving back and forth past the ends of the magnet Q generates a feeble current which is carried out over the entire circuit, and the generation of this current serves to check the movement of 7 5 the magnet and restrict it, while the circuit is closed, to a certainarc, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2. From this armature O the current is carried by the wires S to insulated collars T upon the shaft K, and from these collars the current is taken by the springs U, to. which wires V are attached, and which wires carry the current out over the entire circuit.

As long as the circuit is closed the movement of the magnet past the ends of the poles of the permanent magnet Q generates a feeble current which prevents the armature 0 from moving beyond a certain are; but the moment the circuit is broken or left open the generation of the current at once ceases, and

then the spring and the train of wheels operated thereby cause the shaft K to rock a greater distance than it does while the current is being generated, when the armature 0 will strike against a catch W of any suitable shape, form, or description and cause it to release the spring-actuated hammer X, which strikes the gong Y The simplest form of alarm is here shown; but in practice the armature will strike a pin or projection whichwill cause a continuously-ringing hell or gong to sound, and thus widely advertise the fact that the circuit is open.

This invention is especially applicable to fire-alarm telegraphs,electric burglar-alarms, and other such mechanisms in which no battery or constant source of electricity is used and which is only occasionally brought into use. If the circuit is tampered with at any point or a connection or switch has been carelessly left open, my indicator will. instantly make this fact known at headquarters or any other point, so that the matter can be investigated at once.

As will be seen in Fig. 1, the circuit is normally closed, and my apparatus sounds an alarm whenever this circuit is either broken or left open. As long as the circuit is closed the armature vibrates past the poles of the permanent magnet and at each vibration generates a feeble current, and the pull or attraction of the permanent magnet upon the armature serves to restrict thedistance the armature shall swing. In case the circuit is left open or broken in any way the permanent magnet no longer serves to restrict the movement of the armature to the same eX- tent, and then the wheels of the motor beginning to move more rapidly causes an increased vibration or movement of the shaft .nal system, a permanent magnet, a movable armature provided with a coil, a pivoted rod upon which the armature and coil are mounted, suitable wires for connecting the coil with the closed external circuit; means for operating the movable armature, the closed external circuit, and an alarm which is operated by the increased movement of the armature when the circuit is broken or left open, substantially as shown.

2. In a magneto-electric telegraph or signal system, a vibrating or swinging armature, a coil placed upon the armature for generating impulses at intervals, a permanent magnet, and a mechanism for operating said electric generator, combined with an alarm which is operated by the increased movement of said generator, and a normally-closed circuit which is connected with the generator, substantially as described.

3. In a magneto-electric telegraph or signal system, a motor, a train of gears connected thereto, and an escapement for regulating the movement of said gears, combined with a movable rod, a rod or arm connected to said rod, an armature connected to the opposite end of the rod, a coil upon said armature, an external circuit to which the coil is connected, a fixed magnet past the poles of which the poles of the armature vibrate, and an alarm mechanism which is operated by the increased swing or play of the armature when the circuit is broken or left open, substantially as set forth. if

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

LEONIDAS G. WOOLLEY. 

